liver damage

Hello,
I have written before about my 21 year old son.
He is incarcerated for another 4 to six months for drug related charges. He has been addicted to crack cocaine since he was 16.
He also abuses alcohol or any other drugs he can get his hands on.
While in jail they have been testing his blood on a regular basis. Thank God he passed the aids test and does not have HIV. He does however have Hep C and they are sending him for an ultra-sound and liver biopsy. Anyone familiar with this? I am really worried as liver damage is dangerous isn't it? Just wondered if others have dealt with this situation. Because he is over 18 and in jail they don't tell me anything and don't have to so I am in the dark. At least my son is telling me some things.
I am worried as I don't know what this means to his health, can he get treatment for this? Is it curable. I'm really scared for him and have been worried for years that he was damaging his health (also worried that he would overdose) I'd appreciate any comments.
thanks,
Katebc

Kate, there are different degrees of Hep C. Do you know what level he has?

They will give him meds to try and put him into remission so it's probably a good thing he's in jail and doesn't have to pay for them. Sometimes the meds work and sometimes they don't but he will be very, very ill while he's on them.

My good friend has Hep C (the worse level) and has been non-responsive to the meds so she up for a new clinical trial to see if these will work. She had to go on full disability because she was too sick to work.

The liver and Hep C are all connected. Is there a cure? I don't know but I don't think so. It can just go into remission.

Sorry about this.

katebcca, I am so sorry to hear this about your son. Substance abuse is such a heart break. I recently lost my brother (he was 57) due to liver damage. He had been walking around with Hep C for years, which can lie dormant. By the time they dsicovered that his liver was in bad shape, it was too late. He started at age 16 with heroin and barbiturates. He had been on methadone for at least 35 years, which is also a drug and will damage the liver. Your son is still very young and his liver may not be that bad. A friend of mine is an alcoholic. He's 47 and has been drinking heavily, on and off, since the age of 16 and his liver seems to be be in good shape.
Keep bugging them at the prison and make sure they keep you informed. He is still your son.
I will pray for him and for you.
Peace and (((HUGS)))

Kate, I'm so sorry to hear of this added worry.

As Bluebird said, your son is young so hopefully his liver is not yet beyond repair. Actually him being in jail is a blessing because he's not able to use drugs and alcohol right now. He needs this drying out period.

You can probably find out about Hep C on-line.

I wish you and your son the very best. Please keep us informed.

(((( HUGS ))))

Just found a good question and answer website on hepatitis c.


http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#1

Thanks everyone, my computer is in getting fixed so I am responding from work which is not a great idea but will check in periodically. I have asked me son to have the doctor send me a report as I need his permission. If he gives it, I will no more about what is going on, but it is up to him. He is usually fairly good about this.
Will update when I can.
Thanks for the prayers and Ladybug I will check out the link thanks.
Kate

KAte, you and your son are in my thoughts and prayers.

I doubt that he has liver damage yet because he is so young. I would bet there is something they can do to help him with the Hep. C. Otherwise, what good would it do to be diagnosed/

I'm praying someone speaks to his heart about a relationship with Christ while he is in jail. It may be perfect timing. I hope you don't mind my prayer.

Thank you Dotsie, all prayers are welcomed. Funny enough you should say that because as soon as my son wakes up in jail finally sober, he seeks out the pastor.
God is working on him, it just takes a little longer for some.
kate

Oh Kate, that is wonderful! I wish my kids would look for God after their mistakes...I keep praying, like St. Monica did for her son, St. Augustine. He was a major bad boy, but his mom prayed and cried for years.
I will keep you and your son in my prayers.

Kate,

Our son ran into some trouble that landed in jail for a few months when he was 19. We got him to give us Power of Attorney. We had rights to everything and still do since he hasn't removed our rights. Thank goodness because he has still managed to get himself into trouble one way or another.

See if your son is willing you grant you this right. Then at least you will not have any problems getting a hold of his medical records and discussing his condition with his doctor on his behalf.